Insect identification > Hemiptera > Giant water bugs

Giant water bugs

Family Belostomidae. - These insects are generally termed the giant water bugs. Some of them are the largest members of the Hemiptera, being two, three or more inches long, broad, flat and brown in color.

They live in fresh water and feed on insects and even small fish and are thus sometimes injurious in the production of food fishes.

They fly by night and are frequently attracted to electric lights, which has led to the larger species being sometimes called "electric-light bugs."

In some of the smaller species the eggs are laid on the back of the male who is thus obliged to carry them around until they hatch.